taxpayers cannot afford to lavish unnecessary subsidies on large agri business while harming the environment and shortchanging small farmers and ranchers. surely, tea party republicans and members of the progressive caucus can come together to improve nutrition, wildlife habitat, hunting and fishing while strengthening family farms. and since big bird dodged a bullet during the presidential campaign, maybe it's time to address the vital role that the federal support for public broadcasting plays which we all rely on, not just for news and information, but education for our kids, and as illustrated by hurricane sandy, emergency communication. with incredibly broad public support from americans regardless of political party, congress should make a long-term financial commitment to funding the most trusted brand in broadcasting so it can plan for the future. the last 10 years have been characterized by bipartisan cooperation to promote access to safe drinking water and sanitation around the globe. my 2005 legislation, co-sponsored with henry hyde, bill frist, harry reid, saved lives and made fr